Christie backs Trump but praised Kasich in past

Posted: 4:22 pm Friday, February 26th, 2016

By Staff Writer

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (right) campaigned with Ohio Gov. John Kasich during last fall’s election.

While New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie put his support behind billionaire real estate tycoon Donald Trump for president on Friday, Christie had plenty of nice things to say about John Kasich when he was running for re-election as Ohio governor in 2014.

On the campaign trail in New Hampshire where both Kasich and Christie were competing for primary votes, Christie said he liked and admired Kasich and that Ohio is better off under his leadership. But then he added that during Kasich’s tenure as governor, he has had a GOP-controlled Legislature to advance his agenda.

On Friday in Texas, Christie announced his endorsement of Trump, bypassing Kasich, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and retired brain surgeon Ben Carson.